Keeping Patients at Home Saves Millions—Why Make It So Hard?
Jim McEwen
DurhamPost.ca
August 10, 2026
In 2010 at the young age of 55, I experienced a disabling stroke and at no fault of my own, forcing me into early retirement! Partial recovery has been very limited but I’m able to live at home with help of morning Personal Support Workers (PSWs) for bathing and dressing. I only need one hour of PSW service each morning and a near normal day is available for me in retirement!
Between May 18 and June 12 this year, I was hospitalized and recovering from Influenzas A and pneumonia—am fully recovered now!
Several days before being discharged home, I learned that my Homecare File (provision of In-home PSWs) with Ontario Health at Home (OHAH) had been closed and all because I was hospitalized for 14 days (standard OHAH Policy)! I had to sign up as a new client with OHAH to get my PSW services reinstated at home.
Challenge To Get PSW Back
Fortunately, I was able to get my previous PSW company to provide morning bathing and dressing! It’s been a real challenge to get my previous PSWs back who know my routine; still working on some scheduling gaps since June 12, 2026! My new caseworker with OHAH has been very helpful on the scheduling issues! I only need one hour of PSW service each morning and it’s most frustrating when the system can’t deliver!
Read more at DurhamPost.ca
